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Can You Buy a CPAP Machine in Store?
- CPAP machines are available in some stores, including durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, medical supply stores, and sleep clinics, but you’ll need a prescription from your doctor to buy one.
- CPAP machines typically cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000. Many insurance plans will cover some or all of the price, though.
- Large retail pharmacies like CVS and Walmart usually don’t sell CPAP machines, but they may carry CPAP accessories like tubing, filters, and masks.
- In-store shopping allows you to try out the equipment and take it home the same day, while online retailers typically offer a better selection and prices.
After receiving a prescription for a CPAP machine, you may be wondering where or how to purchase one. CPAP machines are available at some in-person specialty medical stores, but their availability will vary by location. Many people choose to buy them online, through their healthcare providers, or through Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers.
Ahead, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shopping for a CPAP machine. We’ll cover how to get a prescription, the different places you can purchase a CPAP machine, and what to know about pricing and insurance coverage.
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How to Buy a CPAP Machine in a Store
Before shopping for a CPAP machine, make sure you have a prescription. From there, you can get to know the types of machines and learn more about payment options.
CPAP Prescription
To buy a CPAP machine, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. If you haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. If your doctor suspects sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and, after going over your results, determine the right type of CPAP machine. These studies can be done in a sleep lab, or in your home with an at-home sleep apnea test.
Pricing and Insurance Coverage
CPAP machines often cost between $500 and $1,000, but price can vary based on the type of machine, brand, and features. If you don’t have health insurance, you can pay for a CPAP machine out of pocket. In most cases though, insurance will partially or fully cover the cost. That said, insurance plans often have specific requirements you must meet to maintain coverage .
Types of CPAP Machines
There are many different types of positive airway pressure (PAP) machines. The three main types are:
- CPAP (A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): Pumps constant, low-pressure air through your airway to keep it open during sleep.
- BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Alternates air pressure, providing higher pressure air when you inhale and lower pressure when you exhale.
- APAP (An Autotitrating Positive Airway Pressure): Adjusts the pressure of the airflow throughout the night to match your breathing patterns.
The type of CPAP machine your doctor recommends is based on your individual needs.
Types of Stores That Sell CPAP Machines
A variety of stores sell CPAP machines. Each option offers its own advantages in terms of price, selection, expert advice, and convenience.
Local Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Suppliers
DME suppliers in your area may have a selection of CPAP machines and accessories, as well as other medical equipment. Often, your healthcare provider or insurance company may recommend a specific DME that they work with. These suppliers may have brick and mortar stores, online shops, or both.
Sleep Clinic
Buying a CPAP machine directly from a sleep clinic may ensure you receive expert advice and support. Clinics can often offer personalized fittings and demonstrations, helping you feel more confident in the CPAP machine you choose. However, your options may be limited to certain brands or models that are preferred by the clinic.
Medical Supply Store
Medical supply stores can allow you to look at and compare different CPAP machines. Staff may provide hands-on guidance and answer questions you may have. The downside of medical supply stores is that prices can be higher due to overhead costs.
Retail Pharmacies
Retail pharmacies like CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens usually don’t carry CPAP machines. While there may be exceptions, the selection is typically limited. More often, these types of stores will carry CPAP supplies such as filters, masks, tubes, and cleaning supplies.
Buying a CPAP Machine in a Store vs. Online
Deciding where to buy a CPAP machine is an important choice. Whether you choose to buy in-person at a sleep clinic or online, each source has its own pros and cons. To decide where to shop, consider your own needs and priorities in terms of budget, consultation, selection, and convenience.
Pros of Shopping in a Store
- Try out the equipment: By going to a brick and mortar store, you may have the chance to try on masks and see how the machine works, how to operate it, and how loud it is.
- No wait time: While you’ll probably have to wait at least a few days for online delivery, shopping at a store typically allows you to take home your equipment the same day.
- In-person consultation: Store staff can demonstrate how the machine works as well as maintenance and cleaning. If you’re purchasing from a sleep clinic, you’ll also receive expert guidance from a sleep coach tailored to your needs.
- Faster returns: If your CPAP machine fails or simply isn’t right for you, taking it back to the store is usually quicker than shipping it back and waiting for a replacement from an online retailer.
Cons of Shopping in a Store
- Limited selection: Because of their limited space, stores are not able to offer as many choices as online shopping.
- Less convenience: You can only shop at stores during their opening hours, which may or may not be convenient with your schedule.
- Potentially higher cost: CPAP equipment often costs slightly more in stores.
Pros of Shopping Online
- Wider Selection: Shopping online gives you access to all possible CPAP machines and equipment, whereas stores may only have several models.
- More convenience: You can shop online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, according to your own schedule. Many online retailers now also offer virtual consultations, at-home sleep apnea tests, and personalized online coaching so you can get guidance on a more flexible schedule.
- Competitive prices: Because online retailers often buy products in bulk, they may pay less and pass some of these savings onto the consumer. However, make sure to include shipping prices when you’re evaluating cost.
- Compare products and read reviews: Shopping online allows you to compare products and features to find the best choice for your needs. Most sites also display customer reviews that can help you get a sense of what to expect.
Cons of Shopping Online
- You can’t try out the product: Since you’ll be using the CPAP machine regularly, it can be helpful to try it out in person, and especially evaluate how a mask fits. This isn’t possible online.
- Shipping and returns: Though many online retailers make the return process simple by providing labels and offering pickup, it still generally takes more time and effort to get a replacement for an online purchase than a machine from a store.
- Harder to verify authenticity: As with all online shopping, you’ll need to verify the authenticity of the retailer. Do not buy from sites that don’t ask for a prescription or don’t have accessible customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy a CPAP machine at Walmart or CVS?
Some large retail pharmacies like Walmart and CVS may carry CPAP machines, but availability varies greatly by location, and selection is often limited. These stores more often carry CPAP accessories like masks, tubing, and filters. A medical supply store or DME supplier is likely a better bet for the machines themselves.
How much does a CPAP machine cost in a store?
CPAP machines usually cost between $500 and $1,000 in a store, though prices vary based on brand, model, and features. There may be additional costs for accessories like masks, tubing, and filters. You’ll pay less if you use insurance, as most health plans cover at least a portion of the cost after the deductible has been met.
Can you use insurance if you buy a CPAP machine in a store?
You can use insurance to buy a CPAP machine in a store if it accepts your plan. Before making a purchase, confirm with the medical supplier that they accept your plan and verify any network or coverage requirements. If you have Medicare , you’ll need to buy the machine from a Medicare-enrolled supplier and make sure that they accept assignment of your Medicare claims.
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Brian Clark is a writer and educator based in Los Angeles. His articles have appeared in The Austin Chronicle, Movieline and Screen Anarchy, among others. Like many, he became acutely aware of the importance of sleep after his first child was born.
References
5 Sources
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American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2018, October 19). FDA reclassifies positive airway pressure as a Class II medical device.
https://aasm.org/fda-reclassifies-positive-aiway-pressure-class-ii-medical-device/ -
MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine (US). (2023, January 9). Obstructive sleep apnea – adults
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000811.htm -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid .(2008). Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA),
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=226 -
CPAP Coverage. www.medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-devices
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-devices
